Truth can be found in the most unlikely places!

Last night I was enjoying a nice dinner with my husband at a cute restaurant in Cannon Beach, Oregon. As we waited for our dessert (The Lemon Thing, which is super yummy!) I went to use the little girls room, and sitting and pondering my life as I so often do my eyes strayed to the wall in front of me. I lingered on the porcelain much longer than needed so that I could absorb the words written there.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves,
"Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to
make manifest the glory of God
that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson

I am so lucky to have had so many of you in my life that have let your light shine and made it possible for me to strive for the same.

Barf-O-Rama

There is a scene from one of my favorite movies, (Stand By Me) when a kid at a pie eating contest throws up and soon the whole audience, judges, participants, etc. are also throwing up. I know gross right? Well I have been living this scene for the last 5 days, and it looks like the end is not yet in sight.
Friday I became very sick, but tried to ignore it as JD had just arrived in town and we were on our way to San Diego for a great vacation with some good friends. I did my best, but alas I was indeed sick and have since past it on to Brodie, Cyrus, JD, and my friend Becky.
We have washed so many towels, sheets, clothes, and even a car seat you would think we run a laundry mat! My fingers and toes are crossed that this is the end, but what ever this bug is it is fast and furious!
I can't believe this is how I am spending my summer vacation!
Send all your good thoughts and prayers our way, we need at least 1 sick free day this week!

Diamond Backs game with aunt Holly! 7/22/08

Talen and Holly went to the ball game tonight Diamond Backs vs. Cubs. He had a great time, Holly had box seats so they had a waitress, which I think was Talen's favorite part. It is nice to be back home so the kids can do fun things like this with family.
Thanks Holly!!!

Cyrus leaves for Utah to see his best buddy! 7/19/08

Cyrus was so excited to go see his friend and fly by himself! We are missing him, but are so happy that he is having a great time. He is growing up so fast!!

Back in the US of A!!

We have concluded another year in Moscow and are back in AZ for the summer. We have had a great 2nd year in Moscow with many highlights, these are some of my favorite moments... Dale and Linda coming to visit in April and how excited we all felt the minute we saw them standing in our doorway! JD was promoted at work, I am so proud of how hard he works, he is amazing! Long walks with Brodie in the stroller, the spring was beautiful in Moscow, and we tried to be outside as much as possible. Talen lost his first tooth, and Cyrus was Mr. Arable in his school's production of Charlotte's Web. The Miner's came for a visit in June and it was so fun to see how much fun our boys had with their girls.
I am going to miss all my friends in Moscow this summer and look forward to another year of adventures!

Sunday May 4th we were lucky enough to take the boys to London for 4 days. They loved being able to read the signs in English and understand everything everybody was saying. JD and I noticed as well how relaxed we were because even in a city we are not familiar with we knew that if we needed help or directions all we had to do was ask. A simple pleasure I am sure most people take for granted.
We also enjoyed the Krispie Cream doughnuts that were right next to our hotel!
Our favorite part of this trip would have to be our visit to Greenwhich. It was a beautiful city only an hour train ride outside London. We visited the Maritime museum and the Royal observatory. The boys learned what the prime meridian was and were able to stand over it. (Similar to going to the four corners in the U.S.)
We also went to see Wicked, if you haven't sen it you must! I loved it! Talen even quotes it now!
It was a nice getaway, but now I am ready for our next big trip, Mesa Arizona! It has been almost a year, and we are ready to see our family and friends!

London May 2008